A Framework for Blog Writing Writing a blog is an amazing way to share your heart and ideas with the world. But, do you know how to create an effective blog post? The good news is Google wants to share your relevant information with those searching. First, you need to help Google understand the purpose of your post. […]

Lack of Volunteer Role Clarity Lack of volunteer role clarity can lead to confusion and frustration. No one likes not knowing what’s going on. Imagine walking onto a large green field for the first time to play a new game called, “Garble Ball.” The ref hands you large yellow ball, blows his whistle and instructs […]

Addressing Organizational Problems Organizational problems are sometimes difficult to assess and solve. Leaders often feel like they’re playing a game of whack-a-mole, trying to whack whatever the most glaring problem is at the time. But, have you ever noticed the issue with this approach? As leaders, we tend to use the same tools to attack the same […]

Secret Volunteer Expectations When serving as a volunteer, have you ever said to yourself, “Oh no, what did I get myself into?” If so, you’re not alone. In a 2016 research study Walker, Accadia, and Casta found that something called psychological contract breach is a contributing factor to volunteers quitting. The theory behind psychological contract […]

I’ve continued collecting some of the things my kids say. Kids may drive us crazy sometimes, but there is no question they keep life interesting. For perspective: Caleb- Age 10 Logan- Age 7 Micah- Age 4 Dad- Hard to say Wife- Ageless 1. On the roof Logan, running inside: “Daddy, Caleb needs you.” David: “Why” […]

As a pastor, I’ve had many volunteers quit over the years. It’s not fun; it’s frustrating and often confusing. As I’ve begun a doctoral program in Leadership studies this fall, I’m excited to have an opportunity to investigate answers to the question of why volunteers quit in a more formal way. One of the most […]

Deep Divide There was something about this past presidential election that struck a cord deep into the soul of America. Some would argue it was more like a lightning strike that split the ground deep, producing a dark divide in our country. Others would suggest that divide has always been there, just hiding in the […]

In the end, everyone’s simply looking for a way to sweeten their deal. This is what our trainer at Bartell & Bartell shared while teaching us about personality assessment. He meant that if most people were honest, they’re just looking for a way to make things a little better for themselves. It was in this context […]

Where are the Leaders? Churches, like most organizations, are always looking for leaders. I recently read an interesting article meant to help church leaders determine whether congregants are leaders or simply doers. Although I agree developing leaders is one of the greatest challenges any organization faces, I disagree with placing people in these two categories. […]

There was a time, not too long ago, when my wife would find herself drawn into the weekly drama of the Bachelor and the Bachelorette. At first I made fun of her, wondering how in the world any reasonable person could be drawn into such drivel. But I confess, soon even I began to wonder […]